What Are the Best Dog Foods for Toothless Dogs (2023)

Here is our review of the 10 best dog Foods for toothless dogs.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes. Please consult your vet for more information.

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews

Teeth play an important role in our lives. They assist us in chewing food, communicating, and even smiling. This also applies to your dog. But what happens if your dog is toothless? Periodontal disease and old age can both cause tooth loss. This makes it difficult for your dog to chew and communicate.

Having a toothless dog is not without complications. You’re concerned that it’s not getting enough nutrients because it can’t chew properly. Your dog’s face will be distorted if all his teeth are lost. This adds to your concerns.

You want to provide balanced nutrition for your pup, but its lack of teeth makes you unsure where to begin. You know you need to find the right meals for your dog’s specific needs, but the pet food industry makes it difficult.

There are numerous options, and each brand claims to be the best for toothless pups. Because most dog foods are dry, hard, and crunchy, they are unsuitable for toothless dogs. But don’t be worried.

This is where our team can help. We’ve compiled a list of the top ten best dog foods for toothless dogs. This gives you an idea of where to begin. You can start with one or two of our recommended products and then work your way through the rest of the list.

In addition, we discuss the features to look for when purchasing food for your toothless canine companion. This ensures you can purchase any product, including those not on our list. It is critical to choose the right meal because the wrong one can lead to health problems such as blockages, allergies, obesity, and sensitivities. Let’s get the ball rolling.

What Causes Tooth Loss in Dogs?

Puppies lose their baby teeth to get permanent teeth. This is common and normal. However, periodontal disease also causes tooth loss. It is the build-up of plaque and tartar which weakens your dog’s gum line, thus leading to tooth loss. 

With senior dogs, this is usually due to aging and steadily decreasing care. On the other hand, adult dogs should have healthy gums and teeth. If your dog isn’t a senior but has advanced disease or is losing teeth, this could indicate an underlying disease or a lack of dental care.

Adult and senior dogs must be taken to the veterinarian if they lose teeth. This allows you to rule out health problems and diseases.

What Are the Signs that your Dog has Dental Problems?

Symptoms of dental issues vary depending on what’s causing the problem. But here are the main telltale signs:

• Moaning or yelping when yawning, eating, or playing.
• Tooth loss.
• Excessive fatigue.
• Swelling or red gums.
• Blood on the bed, food, or toys.
• Bad breath.
• Abrupt weight loss.
• Difficulty eating or refusing to eat. 

Your dog may develop sepsis if the condition is severe. Any of these symptoms call for a visit to the vet. 

How is Tooth Loss Diagnosed?

It is easy to diagnose tooth loss resulting from trauma. Any tooth loss needs an urgent visit to the vet. The vet will examine to look for signs of tartar formation or gingivitis. Since periodontal disease affects the gums, your vet will examine anesthetizing your pup. 

The vet will use a dental probe to identify the extent of attachment loss in each tooth. Additionally, oral X-rays reveal the extent of the bone loss and whether your dog has an abscess resulting from the loss. 

What Is the Treatment for Tooth Loss in Dogs?

Treatment varies with the cause of the missing teeth or tooth. Periodontal disease requires treatment that lowers the risk of further tooth loss. Mild Periodontal disease or gingivitis may require thorough cleaning, and your dog’s teeth are as good as new. 

Dogs over one year whose teeth have not come in may require extraction of the unerupted tooth. Failure to extract may lead to cysts formation, which requires surgery to remove. 

How to Prevent Dental Problems in Dogs?

Prevention ensures you do not spend a fortune in the vet’s clinic. It also saves your dog from the extreme pain of dental problems. Some of the ways of preventing dental issues are given below.

Oral exams and cleanings

Frequent oral exams and cleanings prevent the problem and ensure you can detect it before it becomes severe. X-rays are used for the exams, and your dog is put under general anesthesia. 

Brush your dog’s teeth daily.

This is a great way to keep your puppy’s pearly whites in good condition. It can be a difficult task, especially if your dog is uncooperative. But with the right gear, patience, and advice from a vet, you can succeed.

Ensure you use the correct toothpaste and toothbrush. Never use human toothpaste or toothbrush since you will expose your dog to other health issues. 

Give safe toys and treats for chewing.

Chewing on soft toys and treats is good for dental health. Avoid hard chews and go for rubber balls, rubbery toys to hide your dog’s treats, and bendable rawhide strips. Hard treats or toys lead to broken teeth or fractures. 

A good meal also comes in handy for toothless dogs. Below we look at the features of the correct food for pups with no teeth.

What Are the Best Dog Food Attributes for Dogs with No Teeth?

Dogs with no teeth require meals that aren’t hard on their gums. Let’s break them down.

Kibble

Kibble is a bit dry and hard and may not be the right selection for toothless dogs. However, there are ways you can make kibble more tolerable. Select small sizes which are less likely to cause choking. This applies to small and large dogs. If you have already purchased dry food, you can break them into smaller pieces using a freezer bag or rolling pin. This saves you money and time. 

Another excellent way of making kibble friendly to toothless pups is by adding water. This softens the dry foods, making them easy to chew and digest. Soak the kibble in warm water for a few minutes. Goat milk or chicken broth also comes in handy as the best alternative to water. 

They have the added advantage of increasing the kibble’s nutritional value and calorie content. This is key, especially in toothless dogs that have no appetite. You can use the food processor or run the kibble through the blender before rehydrating. This method is suitable for small dogs. It creates a smooth texture that is easy to chew. 

Do not leave the moistened kibble outside for more than 30 minutes. Store unused portions in the fridge. 

Wet food

Such food is safe for toothless dogs. The texture makes it easy to eat. For a softer meal, add water or chicken broth. Wet meals are also delicious and tempt dogs with low appetites to take a bite. The wet meals should, however, not come in large chunks as they can be a choking hazard. 

Freeze-dried and dehydrated food

Most dehydrated and freeze-dried formulas are finely ground to give a smooth texture that suits toothless dogs. They are also minimally processed to retain essential nutrients and flavor. The flavor is critical for dogs with dental issues as they can have reduced appetite. This also makes the calorie-dense so that if your pup takes a bite, they can stay energetic throughout the day. 

Recipes that use raw ingredients, especially meat, have bacteria-fighting enzymes for your dog. The enzymes prevent further gum deterioration. 

Homemade meals

This is the easiest since you can cook food to the desired texture. You can boil chicken, veggies, or sweet potatoes, then add some broth or soup. Ensure there are no bones, as they are a choking hazard. 

Always ensure the type of food you select offers complete and balanced nutrition for your pooch. The meals should be devoid of artificial ingredients and fillers. Renowned brands have meals that suit dogs with dental issues. 

What Are the Top 5 Brands for the Best Dog Food for Dogs with No Teeth?

Formulas for toothless dogs are crafted with your dog’s needs in mind. They have a smooth texture and hence are easy to chew. Here are the top brands for the best meals for toothless fidos.

• Vital Essentials.
• Purina. 
• Orijen.
• Canisource.
• Blue Buffalo. 

Each brand has a unique price depending on various factors, including the ingredients used. The average prices for our 10 formulas are $13.28 and $2.25, ranging from $3.90-33.49 and $0.61-2.75 per lb and oz, respectively. 

Your dog’s breed and age also matter when looking for the right meals for toothless dogs. 

Senior dogs require less protein and calories compared to younger dogs. Here’s a summary of the best dog food for dogs with no teeth.

• Best Overall:  Vital Grain-Free Essentials Beef Mini Nibs Freeze-Dried Food –  $33.49 per 1-lb bag ($33.49-lb).

• Best Price-Effective:  Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor Dry Food – $15.89 per 26-oz pouch, case of 36 ($0.61-oz pouch).

• Best Freeze-Dried:   ORIJEN Grain-Free Tundra Freeze-Dried Food – $43.99 per 16-oz bag ($2.75-oz).

• Best Dehydrated: Canisource Cru Grand Grain-Free Pork & Lamb Dehydrated Food–  $159.99 per 22.05-lb bag ($7.26-lb).

• Best Canned formula:  Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Canned Food –  $33.00 per 12.5-oz can, case of 12. ($2.64-oz).

Please Note that the prices in this article are as of 6th January 2023. 

Vital Grain-Free Essentials Beef Mini Nibs Freeze-Dried Food

The gluten and grain-free recipe from Carnivore Meat Company uses a single protein source to offer balanced nutrition for small pups. It suits dogs with allergies or sensitivities and can be served as a standalone meal, a treat, or a topper. The initial manufacturing date is January 14th, 2016. 

It has no artificial flavorings, colors, added antibiotics, or fillers. It is freeze-dried to retain maximum nutrients and avoid refrigeration. And uses 8 ingredients only to lower the chances of negative reactions. 

Soaking the food for approximately 10-15 minutes moistens it, thus making it edible for toothless dogs. It comes with the benefits of a raw diet, including a healthy coat, skin, and immune system. However, raw meals may not be correct for some pups. It is also expensive.

• Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Lung, Beef Fat.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36% min, Crude Fat 32% min, Crude Fiber 8% Max.

• Calorie Content: 272 kcal/cup. 

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight. 

• Key Benefit: Freeze-dried to retain all nutrients and avoid refrigeration. 

• Price: $33.49 per 1-lb bag ($33.49-lb).

Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor Dry Food

Soft texture and improved taste make the best diet for toothless dogs. This formula from the Nestle Purina Pet meets these two critical attributes to give you a tasty yet gentle formula that your toothless dog will beg for more. Adding some water can make it more tasty and easy to chew. The recipe has been on the market since June 8th, 2009.

It suits all dog breeds, and you can serve it as a snack, a complete meal, or a topper. It is also convenient and leaves no mess behind. The combination of highly nutritious ingredients ensures your toothless furry canine companion gets complete and balanced nutrition.

Its high-calorie content keeps your active dog busy all day with no fear of frequent fatigue. It includes grains and may not be safe for pups with grain allergies.

• Top 5 Ingredients: Beef By-Product, Soy Flour, Soy Grits, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 18% min, Crude Fat 7% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.

• Calorie Content: 474 kcal/pouch.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s age, activity, and environment. 

• Key Benefit: Its soft texture and improved taste make it great for toothless dogs. 

• Price: $15.89 per 26-oz pouch, case of 36 ($0.61-oz pouch).

ORIJEN Grain-Free Tundra Freeze-Dried Food

The premium freeze-dried meal from Champion Petfoods features raw ingredients in its first 10 lists. The ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness to retain nutrients and offer complete and balanced nutrition for your toothless pup. The meal has been on the market since March 15th, 2019.

Its high-fat content makes it great for highly active dogs. However, it may not be suitable for dogs prone to weight gain and pancreatitis. It has no grains and includes collard greens and pumpkin for fiber and vitamins that boost the digestive and immune systems. 

You can serve it as a complete meal or a topper. Freeze-drying the raw proteins prevents bacteria, while its softness makes it perfect for dogs without teeth. The meal is tasty, so your dog will lick its bowl. It was a bit expensive.

• Top 5 Ingredients: Venison, Duck (Ground With Bone), Flounder, Lamb Meat, Duck Liver.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 37% min, Crude Fat 34% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 75 kcal per medallion.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on whether it is a complete meal or a topper. 

• Key Benefit: It is soft enough for dogs with no teeth. 

• Price: $43.99 per 16-oz bag ($2.75-oz).

Canisource Cru Grand Grain-Free Pork & Lamb Dehydrated Food

The grain-free recipe from Canisource is great for dogs that require fiber but cannot tolerate grains. It is crafted with low-glycemic human-grade ingredients. It features pork and lamb as the main ingredients making it the best selection for toothless dogs with chicken intolerance. The meal has been on the market since July 26th, 2018. 

Including high-quality ingredients like apples, cranberries, flaxseed, and carrots ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients for proper growth and development. The ingredients are great sources of antioxidants, omegas, and fiber, which boost immunity, skin, coat, vision, and digestive wellness.

It is best for all life stages and has no grains, by-products, or artificial additives. Its high caloric content makes it an excellent selection for highly active dogs. However, it may not suit pups prone to weight gain. It is expensive but worth it.

• Top 5 Ingredients: Pork, Pork Liver, Lamb, Green Peas, Green Lentils.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3% Max.

• Calorie Content: 480 kcal/ cup.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s unique needs. 

• Key Benefit: Uses low glycemic human-grade ingredients for maximum nutritional and health benefits. 

• Price: $159.99 per 22.05-lb bag ($7.26-lb).

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Canned Food

Canned formulas are the best for pups with no teeth, and this meal from the Blue Buffalo Company is no exception. This nutritious formula begins with real beef for thick muscles and ideal body weight. The recipe has been on the market since April 6th, 2016.

You can serve it as a standalone meal, a special treat, or a topper. High-quality ingredients, including brown rice and sweet potatoes, provide fiber for digestion and energy. Blueberries, cranberries, and flaxseed provide antioxidants and omegas to boost immunity, prevent inflammation, and support the well-being of the skin and coat.

It includes calcium and zinc for strong bones and teeth. Some pet parents, however, complained the meal was a bit gummy and slimy. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Carrots, Peas.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8.5% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 398 kcal/cup.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s poundage. 

• Key Benefit: Real beef is the leading ingredient for thick muscles and strong bones. 

• Price: $33.00 per 12.5-oz can, case of 12. ($2.64-oz).

Primal Nuggets Raw Freeze-Dried Food

The ready-to-serve freeze-dried recipe from Primal Pet Foods is highly nutritious for your toothless dog’s overall wellness. It uses hormones, steroids, antibiotic-free lamb organs, and ground bone for your dog’s bones and muscles. The initial manufacturing date is April 19th, 2012.

It saves you time as you do not need to measure anything. Just add water, and you are good to go. You can easily customize the consistency and texture of these nuggets to ensure your toothless buddy can comfortably enjoy them.

Increased omegas and amino acids promote skin, coat, immune, and muscle wellness, while carrots and organic squash boost vision and digestive health. It is perfect for all dog breeds.

• Top 5 Ingredients: Real Lamb Hearts, Ground Lamb Bones, Lamb Liver, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 34% min, Crude Fat 30% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.

• Calorie Content: 148 kcal/oz.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s activity levels, age, metabolism, and breed. 

• Key Benefit: You can customize its texture to suit your toothless dog. 

• Price: $33.98 per 14-oz bag ($2.43-oz).

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Stew with Beef & Vegetables Canned Dog Food

One of the key attributes of the best dog food for toothless dogs is the moisture content. Wet meals have a high moisture content and are soft for easy chewing and digestion. This formula from Hill’s Science Diet is specifically crafted for dogs 7 years and above. This is at its golden stages. The meal has been on the market since September 29th, 2011.

Most dogs have lost some teeth at their golden stage, while others are completely toothless. A soft yet delectable meal comes in handy. This formula uses real meat and brown rice as the primary ingredients. Its medley of veggies like carrots and peas blend together to give a delicious meal. 

It is rich in gentle fibers, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and overall wellness. The meal may not be best for pups that cannot tolerate grains. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Water, Beef, Pork Liver, Brown Rice, Carrots.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 3.5% min, Crude Fat 2.2% min, Crude Fiber 2% Max.

• Calorie Content: 327 kcal/12.8 oz can.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s age and weight. 

• Key Benefit: Increased moisture content makes the food soft for easy chewing and digesting. 

• Price: $33.24 per 12.8-oz can, case of 12 ($2.59-oz).

The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Whole Grain Turkey Recipe Food

The flavor is also important in the best dog food for pups with no teeth. This formula from the Honest Kitchen is gently dehydrated. This ensures maximum nutrient retention, improved taste, and easy chewing. All these are the correct characteristics when choosing the right food for toothless fidos. The initial manufacturing date is February 3rd, 2010.

It is perfect for pet parents that need wet formulas but have minimal storage space. It has many calories, making it a superb choice for highly active toothless pooches. Dehydrated turkey tops the ingredient list for amino acids to boost immunity. Turkey is also great for joint wellness. Dried garlic and dehydrated honey have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties to reduce infections and inflammation.

Including whole foods like organic oats ensures your dog’s digestive system works properly. It has no peas or chicken. However, it’s a bit costly. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Oats, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Dehydrated Carrots.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein of 22% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 470 kcal/cup.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with your pup’s weight.

• Key Benefit: Ingredients are gently dehydrated for maximum flavor, nutrient retention, and easy chewing. 

• Price: $59.32 per 7-lb box ($8.47-box).

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Turn your toothless dog’s day into a story with this mouth-watering meal from Merrick Pet Care. It is delicious to make your toothless dog wag its tail in excitement. It features real chicken and lamb for a muscular look and easy digestibility. The recipe has been on the market since April 8th, 2020.

It is formulated in the USA and includes chondroitin and glucosamine for strong joints and healthy hips. The increased omegas support the well-being of the brain, vision, coat, and skin. 

This raw-coated kibble with its raw, freeze-dried bites offers your pup the benefits of a raw diet, and this delights its instincts. This protein-dense grain-free meal has no fillers or artificial additives. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 34% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 385 kcal ME/cup.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with size, age, and activity levels. 

• Key Benefit: Chicken is the primary ingredient for a muscular look and improved digestibility. 

• Price: $81.98 per 21-lb bag ($3.90-lb).

American Journey Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Help your toothless dog enjoy its journey with this high-quality meal from Chewy. It is a cheap canned meal for pet parents that want to switch their pups to wet formulas. It is rich in proteins for muscle, bone, and joint health. The inclusion of chicken liver makes the skin soft and itch-free thanks to the increased omega 6s. 

Your senior toothless fido will benefit from increased glucosamine and premium nutrients. It is free from grain soy or corn, making it best for pups with sensitivities. Calcium and vitamin D blend to ensure your dog’s remaining teeth are stronger. 

It is crafted in the United States using premium ingredients. Some pet parents, however, complained of increased gassiness. 

• Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Potatoes.

• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% Max.

• Calorie Content: 425 kcal/12.5oz can.

• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.

• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary with health, climate, activity, stage, and sex.  

• Key Benefit: Increased moisture content ensures a soft texture for your toothless dog. 

• Price: $30.60 per 12.5-oz can, case of 12 ($2.45-oz).

What Facts Should You Know About Dog Foods for Dogs with No Teeth?

Periodontal diseases and old age are dogs’ main causes of tooth loss. Tooth loss does not mean your dog cannot have sufficient nutrients due to its inability to chew properly.

The right foods have all the nutrients essential for proper growth and development. Below are other facts to know about the best dog food for toothless dogs:

• Canned meals are best for toothless dogs. They have enough moisture to soften the food. This makes it easier for your toothless pup to chew and digits. However, if your dog is fond of kibble, you can still serve it. Adding water to the kibble softens it. Soak the food until you get the correct consistency. 
• If your dog has lost a few teeth, do not rely exclusively on canned food. They may lead to further periodontal issues. Instead, go for a mixture of both foods. Dry food strengthens your dog’s teeth and may help remove plaque and tartar. 
• Toothless dogs still require brushing their gums. This is because food bits get stuck in the gums. If left unbrushed, they accumulate, thus causing infections. 
• Homemade food is great for dogs with no teeth. This is because you can customize the texture and ingredients. Make a meal for your pet that includes meat, such as ground beef, chicken, or turkey, as well as cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Simply mix everything in a food processor with a spoon of vegetable oil or a little water and serve it to your dog in the desired thickness.

What Are the Best Dog Foods for Dogs with No Teeth According to Dog Sizes? 

What Is the Best Dog Food for Small Dogs with No Teeth

• Instinct Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Cage-Free Chicken Dog Food is the best choice for your small dog with no teeth. It uses healthy fats for your senior dog’s joints and has raw bits to force picky eaters to take a bite. Increased DHA levels support brain and vision wellness.  

The Best Dog Food for Medium-Sized Dogs with No Teeth

• Zeal Canada Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Food is high in protein and low in fat. The meal features salmon, turkey, and organ meat to ensure your toothless dog has strong and healthy muscles. Salmon is great for coat and skin health, while pumpkin supports digestion with its high fiber content.  

Best Dog Food for Large Dogs with No Teeth

• ZiwiPeak Grain-Free Lamb Air-Dried Food is an air-dried formula. This makes it soft and, therefore, easy to chew and digest. Dried kelp and chicory are the only non-protein ingredients to boost digestive and immune systems. You can add water or broth or serve it as it is. Its moisture content of 14% makes it soft.  

What Are the Best Dog Foods for Dogs with No Teeth with Different Ingredients? 

The Best Dog Food with Sweet Potatoes for Dogs with No teeth

• Sweet potatoes are the best fiber source, making them great for your dog’s digestive system. Purina Pro Plan Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food includes turkey and sweet potatoes as the primary ingredients. Turkey is easy to chew and provides amino acids for the muscles. The high moisture value makes this formula the best for toothless pups. 

What Is the Best Dog Food with Water for Dogs with No Teeth

• Water softens your dog’s food making it easy to chew and digest. It also boosts hydration. Pedigree Adult Choice Cuts in Gravy & Vegetables Canned Food starts with water and includes chicken for easy chewing, proper digestion, and thick muscles. The hearty meat cuts in gravy and vegetables make this recipe irresistible. 

Best Chicken-Free Dog Food for Dogs with No Teeth

• Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Duck Goose Dinner Patties Raw Food features duck and turkey as the main ingredients making it an excellent selection for pooches with chicken intolerances. Organic ingredients like broccoli, spinach, carrots, and cranberries provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that work together for your dog’s overall wellness. 

Other Dog Foods for Different Health Conditions Similar to Toothless Dog?

Which Is the Best Dog Food for Dogs with Pancreatitis

• Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. A low-fat formula is, therefore, best as it lowers the chances of overworking the pancreas. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Life Protection Dry Food features chicken and brown rice as the leading ingredients for muscle and digestive health. Its reduced fat content makes it great for weight loss and pancreatitis. 

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Diabetes

• Dogs with diabetes require foods that prevent blood sugar spikes. These foods have a low glycemic index and high fiber content. Instinct Grain-Free Original Chicken Canned Dog Food is crafted with real beef and venison for high-quality proteins and uses fewer carbs; it also includes fruits and veggies that boost immunity. 

The Best Dog Food for Allergies

• Limited ingredients and hypoallergenic diets are best for pups with allergies. They make it easy to spot and avoid an allergen and ensure the immune system does not recognize certain proteins. Hill’s Prescription Diet Skin Sensitivities Dry Food uses one animal protein and a single easy-to-digest carbohydrate. 

Nutritional Needs for Toothless Dogs

Dogs with no teeth require a high-quality diet that provides sufficient nutrients for complete and balanced nutrition. Here are the nutritional requirements of toothless pooches:

Protein

These are the best sources of amino acids. Amino acids come in handy for your dog’s muscle health. They strengthen the bones and muscles. Dogs with no teeth require soft foods with increased protein content. The protein sources should be real and recognizable. Purchasing foods from unknown meat sources exposes your pup to other health issues as the meat could be from dead or diseased animals. 

Fat

Consuming fat energizes your dog. They ensure your pup stays active all day. However, most dogs with no teeth are in their golden years and would therefore do well with low to moderate fat content. This lowers their risk of obesity as they are no longer highly active. Excellent fat sources include chicken fat, salmon oil, and flaxseed. 

Moisture

This plays a critical role in dog food for pups with no teeth. It gives the food a smooth texture making it soft to chew. Water also cleanses your pup’s symptoms and removes toxins that can cause diseases. Furthermore, water keeps your toothless dog hydrated. 

Fiber

The digestive system needs high-quality fiber. Easy-to-chew fiber sources include canned pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Proper digestion lowers the risk of tummy problems. Fiber adds bulk to the stool to lower the chances of diarrhea and improve stool consistency to prevent constipation. 

Other nutritional requirements for toothless pups include minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, chondroitin, and glucosamine. 

Main Health Concerns for Toothless Dogs

Tooth loss comes with loads of health issues, including the following.

Inflammation

Periodontal problems lead to bacteria build-up, which results in inflammation. This destroys your dog’s tissues and causes pain. Look for formulas with increased antioxidants to provide a healthy oxidative environment. 

Cardiac problems

Periodontal problems cause cardiopulmonary issues, including endocarditis. Pups already in the third stage of periodontal disease are at an increased risk. Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valve. Bacteria resulting from periodontal disease enter the bloodstream and lodge on the cardiac valves. Early signs include weight loss and lethargy. As the disease progresses, other symptoms like coughing, weakness, and exercise intolerance emerge. 

Diabetes

Dogs with periodontal problems are at a higher risk of diabetes. Similarly, pups with diabetes have increased chances of getting periodontal problems. This could mainly stem from inflammation and infection connected to periodontal problems, which increase your dog’s blood sugar levels.

Common symptoms of canine diabetes include increased urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, and increased appetite. Advanced signs include loss of appetite, depressed attitude, vomiting, and lack of energy. 

Failure to treat canine diabetes leads to cataracts, urinary tract infections, seizures, enlarged liver, and kidney failure. 

Sensitivity and pain

Like humans, teeth problems cause lots of pain for dogs. Additionally, periodontal diseases are linked to sensitivities. 

Broken Jaws

Though rare, this can cause your dog’s jaws to weaken and break. Proper dental care from puppyhood helps avoid these problems. 

What is the best dog food for dogs with sensitive teeth? 

• Rachel ray Nutrish Rustic Duck Stew Premium Natural Wet Food is a minimally processed wet food to retain all the essential nutrients. The main ingredients are Chicken Broth, Duck, Dried Egg Product, Chicken, and Egg White. Its high moisture content makes it soft for sensitive teeth. It is also tasty to delight your dog’s taste buds. 

Is dry dog food safe for dogs without teeth? 

Yes. Dry food is safe for dogs without teeth. Dry formulas are crafted with the correct proteins, fat, and calories for your fido’s overall well-being. Toothless dogs need a smooth consistency, so adding water or broth to the dry food improves it. Chicken and beef broth come in handy. 

Is it possible that a dog’s diet affects his dental health?

Yes. Diet and dental wellness are correlated. Consuming canned food from puppyhood to senior stages may lead to periodontal disease. This is because wet food may not fully massage your dog’s teeth leading to plaque and tartar build-up. It is best to mix dry and canned meals. If feeding canned meals exclusively, then brushing daily is key. 

What dog treats are good for dogs with no teeth?

Dogs with no teeth can still enjoy their dog treats. Here are the characteristics of the best dog treats for toothless pups:

Tender and moist

Consistency is key when giving your toothless dog its treats. Hard-to-chew dog treats can negatively affect your dog’s gums and cause injuries. Serving soft and moist treats lowers the risk of gum breakage and other dental injuries. 

Small-sized

The treaty should be tiny, so your dog’s failure to chew them properly won’t lead to choking. Choking can be fatal, so you should avoid large dog treats. If the treats are large, you should ensure they are easy to break. 

Can a dog be healthy with no teeth?

Yes, dogs can be healthy with no teeth. Your responsibility is to provide the right diet that is easy to chew and digest. Brushing your dog’s gums is also key. 

Can toothless dogs eat dry food?

Yes, they can. However, dry food may be hard for them to chew. If serving dry meals, add water or broth. Chicken and beef broth are the best for softening the food. 

What do I feed my dog with no teeth?

Dogs with no teeth can eat homemade food, kibble, canned meals, and dehydrated formulas. Add some water to the kibble to make a smooth paste. Ensure the correct consistency in all foods. 

What happens if my dog loses all his teeth?

Your toothless dog can still live a normal life. Ensure it is getting the right nutrients for its overall health. Serve soft meals with moisture to prevent the risk of breaking gums. 

Can dogs live with no teeth?

Yes, toothless dogs can have long and blissful lives. Pet parents’ responsibility is to provide the best care, including the right food, exercise, and dental care. 

Will a dog stop eating if their teeth hurt?

Yes, dogs with painful teeth always associate pain with food and may refuse to eat. It may also start eating and stop abruptly when it feels pain. Whining and spitting food is also common.  

How do I know if my dog is in pain with his teeth?

Here are the signs of dental pain in canines:

• Reduced interest in dry food and dry treats.
• Chewing more slowly than usual.
• Dropping food while eating. 
• Increased drooling.
• Pawing at the mouth. 

Our Verdict

There is no reason for toothless dogs to go hungry. Premium brands formulate balanced and tasty foods that your canine pal will enjoy. These foods, which come in various flavors and forms, will ensure you and your toothless companion live blissfully. 

Our best overall Vital Essentials Beef Mini Nibs Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food uses fewer ingredients, so your toothless pup won’t react negatively. Moist & Meaty Burger with Cheddar Cheese Flavor Dry Dog Food comes in for a budget-friendly option. It is tasty and has a soft texture. Always consult the vet before purchasing a new formula for your dog.